ALBANY – Gov. Pataki’s political advisers have identified a baker’s dozen of Assembly Democrats who may help the governor block the Legislature’s runaway tax-and-spend budget, The Post has learned.

Four are from New York City, two are from the suburbs and the rest are from upstate.

While Democrats control 103 of the Assembly’s 150 votes, that’s just three votes more than are needed for an override of the budget vetoes Pataki has pledged to deliver.

And since all but one of the 47 Assembly Republicans have sided with Pataki, turning just four Democratic votes could be enough to sustain the governor’s vetoes.

While the Senate is under Republican control, most GOP lawmakers, backed by a large number of Democrats, are against Pataki, making it likely the governor’s vetoes will be overriden there.

The 13 targeted assemblymen have either sided with Pataki in past battles, shown a general reluctance to raise taxes, or have demonstrated a willingness to stand up to the Assembly’s Democratic leadership, insiders say.

The governor was said to be ready to offer a variety of inducements – from attractive pork-barrel projects to patronage jobs to other political help – to win their support.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) is expected to pull out all stops to block the defections, including stripping renegades of the extra pay known as “lulus,” as well as their staff, and perhaps even running primary elections against them, insiders say.

Potential swing Democrats in Pataki’s sights include Assemblyman Dov Hikind of Brooklyn and Anthony Seminario of Queens, both of whom endorsed the governor for re-election last year, William Scarborough, also of Queens, and John Lavelle of Staten Island.

Other targets include Steve Levy of Republican-oriented Suffolk County, who is eyeing a race for county executive, as well as Jacob Gunther of Monticello, who has clashed in the past with Silver.

Also, there are William Parment, a business-friendly sometime maverick from Jamestown; Darrell Aubertine, who represents a heavily GOP district along the St. Lawrence River; Robin Schimminger and Richard Smith, both of Erie County; Ronald Tocci of New Rochelle; and Joan Christensen and William Magnarelli of Syracuse.

SWING PLAYERS

Gov. Pataki has targeted these local Democratic assemblymen as swing votes to help him block the Legislature’s tax-and-spend budget plan:

Dov Hikind of Brooklyn: A longtime maverick who has shown a readiness to endorse Republicans, including Pataki, in the past. Plus, he’s always looking for additional goodies to deliver for to his district.

Anthony Seminario of Queens: Famous for his tough talk and occasionally independent ways, Seminario endorsed Pataki last year and has long been friendly with the governor’s political patron, former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D’Amato.

John Lavelle of Staten Island: A relatively newcomer from a traditionally Republican, if not downright conservative, district. He’s considered a prime target for defeat by the GOP next year so he might want to cut a deal with the governor now.

William Scarborough of Queens: Relatively new member with an independent streak, considered open to bargaining with the governor.

Steve Levy of Suffolk County: He’s interested in being the Democratic nominee for Suffolk County executive, so maybe he’d like a little extra appeal to all those Republicans who inhabit the eastern end of Long Island. Pataki could help here.